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Volleyball Team Ranks High in NCAA Stats

Hope's outstanding volleyball season is reflected in the final national statistics of NCAA Division III teams.

The Flying Dutch won a school-record 34 victories, were undefeated MIAA conference champions and advanced to the final four of the NCAA championships for the first time in school history.

Hope ranked second among all Division III teams in kills per set (14.18), behind only national champion Washington-St. Louis (14.45). The team was third in assists per set (12.77), trailing Washington-St. Louis (13.26) and Ohio Northern (12.78).

The Flying Dutch were ranked 17th in both digs per set (19.70) and hitting percentage (.247).

Individually, senior setter Andrea Helminiak of Maumee, Ohio (Maumee HS) ranked fourth nationally in assists per set (11.1). The national leader was Marilee Fisher of Washington-St. Louis (11.40). Helminiak was voted the player of the year in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) and received Division III All-America third team honors.

Junior outside hitter Jacie Fiedler of Richmond, Ill. (Richmond Burton HS) ranked 16th nationally in hitting percentage (.370) and 49th in kills per set (3.66). The national leaders were Eliza Badeau in hitting percentage (.478) and kills per set (4.93). Fielder was voted to the All-MIAA first team, was named the outstanding player of the NCAA Regional tournament, and received honorable mention All-America recognition.